Tribology: contact - friction - lubrication - wear

Tribology, defined as the science of the interaction of surfaces in relative motion, plays a very important role in the contemporary world, particularly in the fields of transportation and health. Concerning transportation, tribology is essential for optimizing engine efficiency, reducing friction and wear of components, not only improving vehicle performance but also reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. In the realm of health, tribology is critical for the development of prosthetics and biomedical implants, ensuring their durability and compatibility with the human body, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients and prolonging their mobility. Thus, tribology is much more than a mere scientific discipline; it represents a fundamental pillar for technological advancement and societal well-being. The objective of this course is to provide students with basic knowledge in this discipline and to teach them how to approach and treat a tribological problem in particular in the field of transport and health.

· Introduction to tribology, surfaces, contacts · Mechanics and physical-chemistry of contact · Friction - adhesion · Liquid and solid lubrication · Different lubrication regimes: HD, EHD, mixed, boundary · Lubricants and additives · Wear / tribological damage: mechanisms, quantification · Characterization of rubbed/worn surfaces: mechanical, physical-chemical and topographical aspects · Experimentation in tribology. Test devices and tribological maps · Applications of tribology to transportation and health

Work in autonomy in group of 2 students on a bibliographic survey